ECSTATIC Alex Arthur is hoping for two title defences this year after being declared the WBO super-featherweight boxing champion.
Capital ace Arthur, who was already WBO interim champion, inherited the title from Joan Guzman when the Dominican Republic boxer decided to move up in weight rather than travel to Edinburgh to fight Arthur.
Arthur said: "Ecstatic would be the best
word to describe how I feel about being Scotland's latest world champion.
"I have a clear idea as to what I'd like to happen. Even though my taking over Joan Guzman's title will entitle me to move up three places in the American Ring magazine' world ratings from number six to Guzman's former number two spot, I want a first title defence with someone outside the world top ten super-featherweights before tackling a rated opponent in any mandatory defence.
"Ideally, because I haven't fought since December 2007 when I defeated Salford's Steve Foster, I'd like two title defences this year under my belt then hold and successfully defend the super-featherweight crown for another year before moving up to lightweight then light-welterweight. My aim is to become Scotland's first-ever triple world title holder.
"I aim to be a fighting and winning champion, which is the best way to answer the inevitable knockers who will say I only became a world champion by default."
Promoter Frank Warren revealed the search is under way to find a replacement opponent for Arthur's first defence.
The Sports Network chief said: "Britain has lost a few of its world champions over the last few months but we have got one back with Alex now declared as world champion. I believe he will be a long-term world champion. I'm working hard at the moment to deliver a new date and challenger for Alex."
Arthur had been scheduled to fight Guzman on May 3 at Meadowbank but the bout was postponed when Guzman failed to secure a visa in time. A new date had been anticipated before Guzman's decision to let the title go.
On Guzman's website, his manager Jose Nunez claimed the boxer had been annoyed by the postponement of the fight. Nunez said he would explain the reasons for Guzman's decision and state his future plans later.
The full article contains 385 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
